Fears over supermarket bus plan (From Herald Series)

Fears over supermarket bus plan

7:00pm Monday 29th October 2012 in Wallingford

SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has pledged to fund more frequent bus journeys between Wallingford town centre and the industrial park where it wants to build a new store.

But traders fear the investment to bring people to the new food store on the Hithercroft industrial estate could hurt shops in the town centre.

They are planning an emergency meeting to discuss the proposal.

Last month Morrisons staged a two-day exhibition about its plans for the new store which will bring £25m of investment, create 300 full and part-time jobs, a filling station and a 280-space car park.

The company is now preparing a planning application.

Wallingford in Business spokesman Elaine Hornsby said: “This is a worrying development. It shows Morrisons are taking steps to make sure they get customers to their door.

“If people are being bussed from a village like Brightwell-cum-Sotwell to Morrisons then they are not going to travel into the town centre with all their bags afterwards.”

Mayor Ros Lester said: “If Morrisons come I hope it will mean local shoppers shop in Wallingford rather than Didcot.

“If there is a special meeting for traders the council would be happy to host the meeting.”